Foldable sterile medical package

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to medical packaging for the accommodation of medical supplies. The medical packaging discussed herein has a plurality of panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, that are releasably secured together to establish a first sterile environment between the first panel and the second panel for the retention of a first medical supply, and a second sterile environment between the second panel and the third panel for the retention of a second medical supply. The panels are configured for relative movement such that movement of the first panel relative to the second panel reveals the first medical supply without compromising the second sterile environment, and movement of the second panel relative to the third panel reveals the second medical supply. The panels are arranged for sequential separation in accordance with the steps of the procedure in which the medical supplies are employed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims the benefitof priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/569,047, filed on Sep. 29, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,967,139, whichclaims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/100,796, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, now expired, theentire contents of each application identified above being incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a foldable package. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a foldable package forthe accommodation of medical supplies.

2. Related Art

The packaging of medical supplies presents a particular concern giventhe general necessity to maintain such supplies in a sterileenvironment. The packaging must not only preserve the sterility of themedical supplies at all times during transport, but must also protectthe medical supplies from damage that may be sustained during handlingand/or storage. Any rupturing, piercing, or damage to the packaging maycompromise the integrity of the sterile environment, thus resulting inthe use of a potentially unsafe product, the communication ofundesirable substances or agents to a patient, and perhaps eveninfection.

Generally, medical supply packaging will include the instruments thatwill be used during the course of the procedure, in addition to thecorresponding instruction-for-use (I.F.U.). Either prior to, or duringthe medical procedure, the packaging is opened to expose theinstruments, and the I.F.U. is generally removed and set aside for laterreference by a practitioner. However, accessing the instruments and theI.F.U. in this way unnecessarily exposes the entire contents of thepackage to the ambient, and clutters the work environment by separatingthe medical instruments from the I.F.U. and the packaging. Accordingly,there exists a need in the art for improved packaging that will addressthese issues.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a medical package is disclosedthat is configured and dimensioned to accommodate medical suppliesemployable during a medical procedure. The medical package has aplurality of panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and athird panel.

The panels are releasably secured together to establish a first sterileenvironment between the first panel and the second panel for retentionof a first medical supply, and a second sterile environment isestablished between the second panel and the third panel for retentionof a second medical supply. The panels are configured for relativemovement such that movement of the first panel relative to the secondpanel reveals the first medical supply without compromising the secondsterile environment, and movement of the second panel relative to thethird panel reveals the second medical supply. The panels are arrangedfor sequential separation in accordance with a plurality of stepsperformed during the medical procedure that are described incorresponding instructions for use supported on the first panel.

The first panel is movable relative to the second panel in a firstdirection, and the second panel is movable relative to third panel in asecond direction, wherein the first direction and the second directionare different. To facilitate manual manipulation of the panels, thefirst panel may include a first tab, the second panel may include asecond tab, and the third panel may include a third tab.

The plurality of panels may be fixedly attached to one another, oralternatively, at least one of the plurality of panels may be removablefrom the medical package. Additionally, it is envisioned that theplurality of panels may be foldably interconnected, e.g., through aplurality of living hinges.

In an alternative embodiment, the medical package further includes afourth panel that is releasably secured to the third panel to establisha third sterile environment therebetween for retention of a thirdmedical supply. To reveal the third medical supply, the third panel isconfigured for movement relative to the fourth panel in the seconddirection. The fourth panel may include a fourth tab configured tofacilitate manual manipulation of the fourth panel.

In another embodiment, the medical package further includes a fifthpanel that is releasably secured to the fourth panel such that a fourthsterile environment is established therebetween for retention of afourth medical supply. The fourth panel is configured for movementrelative to the fifth panel in the second direction to reveal the fourthmedical supply. The fifth panel may include a fifth tab configured tofacilitate manual manipulation of the fifth panel. In this embodiment,the third panel is configured for movement relative to the fourth panelto reveal the third medical supply without compromising the fourthsterile environment.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a medical package isdisclosed that is configured and dimensioned to accommodate medicalsupplies employable during a medical procedure. The medical package hasa plurality of panels including a first panel, a second panel, and athird panel. The first and second panels are releasably secured togetherto establish a first sterile environment therebetween for retention of afirst medical supply, and the second and third panels are releasablysecured together such that a second sterile environment is establishedtherebetween for retention of a second medical supply. The first panelis movable relative to the second panel from a first position, in whichthe first medical supply remains concealed within the first sterileenvironment, to a second position, in which the first medical supply isrevealed, and the second panel is movable relative to the third panelfrom a first position, in which the second medical supply remainsconcealed within the second sterile environment, to a second position,in which the second medical supply is revealed. The plurality of panelsare arranged for sequential separation in accordance with a plurality ofsteps performed during the medical procedure.

In a final aspect of the present disclosure, a medical procedure isdisclosed that includes the step of providing a medical package with aplurality of panels including at least a first panel, a second panel,and a third panel. The plurality of panels are releasably securedtogether to establish a first sterile environment between the firstpanel and the second panel for retention of a first medical supply, anda second sterile environment between the second panel and the thirdpanel for retention of a second medical supply. The plurality of panelsare configured for relative movement such that movement of the firstpanel relative to the second panel reveals the first medical supplywithout compromising the second sterile environment, and movement of thesecond panel relative to the third panel reveals the second medicalsupply.

In addition, the method includes the steps of moving the first panelrelative to the second panel to reveal the first medical supply, usingthe first medical supply, moving the second panel relative to the thirdpanel to reveal the second medical supply, and using the second medicalsupply.

These and other features of the medical packaging and proceduredisclosed herein will become more readily apparent to those skilled inthe art through reference to the detailed description of the variousembodiments of the present disclosure below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in, and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Together with the general description givenabove, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, theaccompanying drawings serve to explain the principles of the medicalpackaging and method disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a top, perspective view of one embodiment of a medicalpackage, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure,that includes a top panel, a bottom, panel, and a plurality ofintermediate panels positioned therebetween for the accommodation ofmedical supplies;

FIG. 2 is a top, perspective view of the medical package of FIG. 1 afterlifting the top panel to expose a first intermediate panel, and a swabpositioned thereon, for using during a surgical procedure;

FIG. 3 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG. 1illustrating movement of the first intermediate panel to expose a secondintermediate panel;

FIG. 4 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG. 3illustrating the second intermediate panel, and a first collection ofsecurement tape positioned thereon, for using during the surgicalprocedure;

FIG. 5 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG. 4illustrating movement of the second intermediate panel to expose a thirdintermediate panel;

FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG. 5illustrating the third intermediate panel, and a dressing positionedthereon, for using during the surgical procedure;

FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG. 6illustrating movement of the third intermediate panel to expose thebottom panel;

FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG. 7illustrating the bottom panel, and a second collection of securementtape, together with a label, positioned thereon, for using during thesurgical procedure;

FIG. 9 is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of a medicalpackage, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure,that includes a plurality of panels for the accommodation of medicalsupplies;

FIG. 10 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG. 9after lifting a first panel and illustrating a bottom face of a thirdpanel, and a swab positioned thereon, for use during a surgicalprocedure;

FIG. 11 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG.10 illustrating movement of the third panel to expose a top face of asecond panel;

FIG. 12 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG.11 illustrating the top face of the second panel, a first collection ofsecurement tape positioned on the top face of the second panel for useduring the surgical procedure, and a bottom face of a fourth panel;

FIG. 13 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG.12 illustrating movement of the fourth panel to expose a top face of thethird panel and a backing panel positioned on a top face of the fourthpanel;

FIG. 14 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG.13 illustrating the top face of the third panel, a dressing positionedon the top face of the third panel for use during the surgicalprocedure, and the backing panel;

FIG. 15 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG.14 illustrating movement of the backing panel to expose the top face ofthe fourth panel; and

FIG. 16 is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in FIG.15 illustrating the top face of the fourth panel, and a secondcollection of securement tape, together with a label, positionedthereon, for use during the surgical procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed medical packaging andprocedure will now be described in detail with reference to theforegoing figures wherein like reference characters identify similar oridentical elements.

In the figures, and in the description which follows, the variousembodiments of the disclosed medical packaging and procedure will bediscussed in connection with an intravenous (IV) catheter protectionsystem. However, one skilled in the art will envision that the medicalpackaging discussed herein below may be used in connection with anymedical instruments or supplies, either presently known or laterdevised. Without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a medical package 100 that housesand accommodates the aforementioned IV catheter protection system in asterile environment until the medical package 100 is opened by apractitioner. The IV catheter protection system includes a swab 10 (FIG.2), a first collection of securement tape 12 (FIG. 4), a dressing 14(FIG. 6), and a second collection of securement tape 16 (FIG. 8) inaddition to a label 18. The method of use corresponding to the IVcatheter protection system includes four steps that are outlined for thepractitioner on instructions-for-use I.F.U. (FIGS. 2-8) that aresupplied with the medical package 100.

The medical package 100 may be formed from any suitable material,including but not limited to paperboard, coated papers, polymer films,spunbound polymer fibers (e.g., TYVEK®), metalized polymer films, foils,and the like, either exclusively or in combination, and includes aplurality of panels 102 (FIG. 1) extending from a top edge 104 to abottom edge 106 to define a length “L.” In the specific embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the medical package 100 includes a top panel108, a bottom panel 110, and plurality of intermediate panels 112.

As can be ascertained through reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the top panel108 is connected to the bottom panel 110 along the length “L” throughthe employ of a living hinge 118 such that the top panel 108 is movablein the direction indicated by arrow 1. However, in alternativeembodiments of the medical package 100, any binding suitable for theintended purpose of facilitating opening and closing of the medicalpackage 100 may be used. Prior to opening the medical package 100, therespective top and bottom panels 108, 110 are releasably secured alongthe peripheries thereof. The respective top and bottom panels 108, 110may be secured together in any manner suitable for the intended purposeof establishing and maintaining a sterile environment therebetween untilsuch time that a practitioner intentionally opens the medical package100. For example, it is envisioned that the respective top and bottompanels 108, 110 may be attached through the use of a medical grade,sterile adhesive (not shown). The top and bottom panels 108, 110 includetabs 114 _(T) and 114 _(M), respectively, which are each configured forgrasping by the practitioner to facilitate separation of the top panel108 from the bottom panel 110, and thus opening of the medical package100.

The top panel 108 defines a bottom face 116 _(B) (FIG. 2) thataccommodates the I.F.U. outlining the use of the IV catheter protectionsystem. The I.F.U. may be either removably attached to the bottom face116 _(B) of the top panel 108, or alternatively, the I.F.U. may befixedly or integrally formed therewith. For example, the I.F.U. may befastened to the bottom face 116 _(B) of the top panel 108, e.g., throughthe use of sterile adhesive, or the I.F.U. may be written or inscribedthereon. Positioning the I.F.U. on the bottom face 116 _(B) of the toppanel 108 allows the I.F.U. to remain visible to the practitioner at alltimes during the medical procedure, as will be discussed in furtherdetail below.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, the aforementioned intermediate panels 112are positioned between the top panel 108 and the bottom panel 110. Theintermediate panels 112 are arranged such that they are exposedsequentially according to the order in which the steps of thecorresponding medical procedure are performed, as outlined in the I.F.U.The intermediate panels 112 support a number of the medical suppliesincluded in the medical package 100. As such, in the embodiment of themedical package 100 seen in FIGS. 1-8, the intermediate panels 112support individual components of the intravenous (IV) catheterprotection system. Specifically, the intermediate panels 112 include afirst intermediate panel 112 _(A) (FIG. 2) supporting the swab 10, asecond intermediate panel 112 _(B) (FIG. 4) supporting the firstcollection of securement tape 12, and a third intermediate panel 112_(C) (FIG. 6) supporting the dressing 14. In alternate embodiments ofthe medical package 100, however, greater or fewer numbers ofintermediate panels 112 may be included depending upon the number ofindividual medical supplies accommodated by the medical package 100. Thefinal component of the IV catheter protection system, i.e., the secondcollection of securement tape 16 and the label 18, are supported on atop face 116 _(T) of the bottom panel 110, rather than on an additionalintermediate panel 112, to reduce the overall number of components inthe medical package 100, and thus, decrease manufacturing costs.However, an embodiment of the medical package 100 including a pluralityof intermediate panels 112 corresponding in number to the number ofcomponents housed by the medical package 100, i.e., an embodimentwherein the top face 116 _(T) (FIG. 3) of the bottom panel 110 does notsupport any medical supplies, is not beyond the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The first intermediate panel 112 _(A) includes a tab 114 _(A), thesecond intermediate panel 112 _(B) includes a tab 114 _(B), and thethird intermediate panel 112 _(C) includes a tab 114 _(C). As discussedabove with respect to the tabs 114 _(T), 114 _(M) respectively includedon the top and bottom panels 108, 110, the tabs 114 _(A), 114 _(B), 114_(C) are each configured for grasping by the practitioner to facilitateseparation of the respective first, second, and third intermediatepanels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C), and thus, exposure of thecomponents of the IV catheter protection system retained within themedical package 100 in accordance with the procedure set forth below.

When the medical package 100 is assembled, a bottom face 116 _(B) (FIG.3) of the first intermediate panel 112 _(A) is releasably secured to atop face 116 _(T) of the second intermediate panel 112 _(B), a bottomface 116 _(B) (FIG. 5) of the second intermediate panel 112 _(B) isreleasably secured to a top face 116 _(T) of the third intermediatepanel 112 _(C), and a bottom face 116 _(C) (FIG. 7) of the thirdintermediate panel 112 _(C) is releasably secured to the top face 116_(T) of the bottom panel 110. It is also envisioned that intermediatepanel 112 _(A) may be larger in size than intermediate panel 112 _(B)and that intermediate panel intermediate panel 112 _(B) may be larger insize than intermediate panel 112 _(C) such that intermediate panels 112_(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C) are each releasably secured to the top face 116_(T) of the bottom panel 110. As discussed above with respect to the toppanel 108 and the bottom panel 110, the respective first, second, andthird intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C), and the bottompanel 110, may be attached in any manner suitable for the intendedpurpose of establishing and maintaining a sterile environmenttherebetween, e.g., through the use of a medical grade, sterile adhesive(not shown). In the embodiment of the medical package 100 seen in FIGS.1-8, the intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C) are connectedto each other, and/or to the bottom panel 110, at one or more pointsalong the top edge 104 such that the intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112_(B), 112 _(C) can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 2. Tofacilitate movement of the intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112_(C) in the direction of arrow 2, the tabs 114 _(A), 114 _(B), 114 _(C)may be positioned in the lower right-hand corners 120 of the respectivefirst, second, and third intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112_(C), as seen in FIGS. 2-8, or in any other suitable location.

In an alternative embodiment of the medical package 100, it isenvisioned that the intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C) maybe connected to each other, and/or the bottom panel 110, at one or morepoints along the bottom edge 106 such that the intermediate panels 112_(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C) can be moved in the direction of arrow 3 (FIG.3). In this embodiment, the tabs 114 _(A), 114 _(B), 114 _(C) may berespectively positioned on the first, second, and third intermediatepanels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C) in any suitable location, such as anupper right-hand corner 122 of the intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112_(B), 112 _(C).

The connections between the intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112_(C), and the bottom panel 110, may be fixed, such that the intermediatepanels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C) are simply folded in the directionof arrow 2, and thus remain integrally formed components of the medicalpackage 100. Alternatively, however, the connections between theintermediate panels 112 _(A), 112 _(B), 112 _(C), and the bottom panel110, may detachable, such that the intermediate panels 112 _(A), 112_(B), 112 _(C) are removable from the medical package 100 afterseparation from an adjacent panel 102 and/or the bottom panel 110.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-8, use of the medical package 100 will bediscussed. To open the medical package 100, the practitioner grasps thetab 114 _(T) (FIG. 1) included on the top panel 108, and lifts the toppanel 108 in the direction indicated by arrow 1 to thereby separate thetop panel 108 from the bottom panel 110, and expose the swab 10 (FIG.2). Following separation of the top panel 108 from the bottom panel 110,it should be appreciated that the integrity of the sterile environmentestablished between the intermediate panels 112 and the bottom panel 110remains intact, and that the becomes exposed for reference by thepractitioner. After opening the medical package 100, the practitionercan utilize the swab 10 to clean the site where the IV catheter (notshown) will be inserted.

Following use of the swab 10 and insertion of the IV catheter (notshown), as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the practitioner can grasp the tab 114_(A) included on the first intermediate panel 112 _(A), and lift thefirst intermediate panel 112 _(A) in the direction indicated by arrow 2to thereby separate the first intermediate panel 112 _(A) from thesecond intermediate panel 112 _(B), and expose the first collection ofsecurement tape 12 (FIG. 4). Following separation of the firstintermediate panel 112 _(A) from the second intermediate panel 112 _(B),the sterile environment previously established between the intermediatepanels 112 _(B), 112 _(C) and the bottom panel 110 remainsuncompromised.

By positioning the I.F.U. on the bottom face 116 _(B) (FIG. 2) of thetop panel 108, and moving the first intermediate panel 112 _(A) in thedirection of arrow 2, the practitioner remains in plain view of theI.F.U. such that the practitioner can continually reference the I.F.U.and prepare for the next step in the medical procedure. Thereafter, thepractitioner can utilize the first collection of securement tape 12 tolimit relative movement between the IV catheter (not shown) and thepatient's skin.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the practitioner can then grasp the tab114 _(B) included on the second intermediate panel 112 _(B), and liftthe second intermediate panel 112 _(B) in the direction indicated byarrow 2 to thereby separate the second intermediate panel 112 _(B) fromthe third intermediate panel 112 _(C), and expose the dressing 14 (FIG.6). Following separation of the second intermediate panel 112 _(B) fromthe third intermediate panel 112 _(C), the sterile environmentpreviously established between the third intermediate panel 112 _(C) andthe bottom panel 110 remains uncompromised, and the remains visible forreference by the practitioner. Thereafter, the practitioner can positionthe dressing 14 as desired.

Finally, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the practitioner can grasp the tab114 _(C) included on the third intermediate panel 112 _(C), and lift thethird intermediate panel 112 _(C) in the direction indicated by arrow 2to thereby separate the third intermediate panel 112 _(C) from thebottom panel 110, and expose the second collection of securement tape 16and the label 18 (FIG. 8). The practitioner can then use the secondcollection of securement tape 16 to further limit relative movementbetween the IV catheter (not shown) and the patient's skin, as well asthe label 18.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-16, an alternative embodiment of themedical package, referred to generally by the reference character 200,will be discussed. The medical package 200 is substantially similar tothe medical package 100 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-8, andaccordingly, will only be discussed with respect to its differencestherefrom.

The medical package 200 includes a plurality of panels 202 extendingfrom a top edge 204 to a bottom edge 206 to define a length “L,” as wellas a backing panel 202 _(BP) (FIGS. 14 and 15). In the embodiment of themedical package seen in FIGS. 9-16, the medical package 200 houses thecomponents of the IV catheter protection system discussed above, and isthus illustrated as including a first panel 202 _(A), a second panel 202_(B), a third panel 202 _(C), and a fourth panel 202 _(D), in additionto the aforementioned backing panel 202 _(BP). However, alternateembodiments of the medical package 200 are also envisioned that mayinclude greater or fewer numbers of panels 202 dependent upon themedical supplies intended to be accommodated thereby.

The first panel 202 _(A) includes a bottom face 210 _(B), a top face 210_(T), and a tab 212 _(A), the second panel 202 _(B) includes an bottomface 210 _(B) and a top face 210 _(T), the third panel 202 _(C) includesa bottom face 210 _(B) having a tab 212 _(C) affixed thereto and a topface 210 _(T), and the fourth panel 202 _(D) includes a bottom face 210_(B) having a tab 212 _(D) affixed thereto and a top face 210 _(T). Asseen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the fourth panel 202 _(D) also includes theaforementioned backing panel 202 _(BP). The backing panel 202 _(BP) hasa tab 212 _(BP) affixed thereto, and is releasably attached to the topface 210 _(T) of the fourth panel 202 _(D) such that a sterileenvironment is established therebetween, e.g., through the use of amedical grade, sterile adhesive (not shown). The plurality of panels 202are connected along their length “L” (FIG. 1) through the employ of aplurality of living hinges 214, which are best seen in FIG. 16. However,any binding suitable for the intended purpose of facilitating openingand closing of the medical package 200 may be used.

The bottom face 210 _(B) of the first panel 202 _(A) accommodates theI.F.U. pertaining to use of the IV catheter protection system, which maybe either releasably connected to the bottom face 210 _(B), orintegrally formed therewith, as discussed above with respect to, themedical package 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. The top face 210 _(T) ofthe second panel 202 _(B) accommodates the first collection ofsecurement tape 12 (FIG. 12), the top face 210 _(T) of the third panel202 _(C) accommodates the dressing 14 (FIG. 14), the top face 210 _(T)of the fourth panel 202 _(D) accommodates the second collection ofsecurement tape 16 and the label 18 (FIG. 16), which are positionedbeneath the backing panel 202 _(BP) secured to the fourth panel 202_(D), and the bottom face 210 _(B) of the third panel 202 _(C)accommodates the swab 10 (FIG. 10).

As discussed above with respect to the medical package 100 seen in FIGS.1-8, the medical package 200 is assembled such that the practitionerwill sequentially expose the components of the IV catheter protectionsystem according to the order in which the steps of the correspondingmedical procedure are performed, as outlined in the I.F.U. Specifically,in the embodiment of the medical package seen in FIGS. 9-16, the medicalpackage 200 is assembled such that the bottom face 210 _(B) of the firstpanel 202 _(A) is releasably attached to the bottom face 210 _(B) of thethird panel 202 _(C), the top face 210 _(T) of the second panel 202 isreleasably attached to the bottom face 210 _(B) of the fourth panel 202_(D), and the top face 210 _(T) of the third panel 202 is releasablyattached to the top face 210 _(T) of the fourth panel 202 _(D). However,additional arrangements for the medical package 200 are not beyond thescope of the present disclosure.

The panels 202 may be attached in any manner suitable for the intendedpurpose of establishing and maintaining a sterile environment betweenadjacent panels 202 (FIG. 1), e.g., through the use of a medical grade,sterile adhesive (not shown), until such time that the practitionerintentionally separates adjacent panels 202 to open the medical package200.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9-16, use of the medical package 200will be discussed. To open the medical package 200, the practitionergrasps the tab 212 _(A) included on the first panel 202 _(A), and liftsthe first panel 202 _(A) in the direction indicated by arrow 1 (FIG. 9)to separate the bottom face 210 _(B) of the first panel 202 _(A) fromthe bottom face 210 _(B) of the third panel 202 _(C), and thereby exposethe swab 10 (FIG. 2) and the I.F.U. for reference by the practitionerduring the medical procedure. Thereafter, the practitioner can utilizethe swab 10 to clean the site where the IV catheter (not shown) will beinserted.

With specific reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, following use of the swab 10and insertion of the IV catheter (not shown), the practitioner can graspthe tab 212 _(C) included on the bottom face 210 _(B) of the third panel202 _(C), and use the tab 212 _(C) to move the third panel 202 _(C) inthe direction indicated by arrow 2. Referring now to FIG. 12 as well,movement of the third panel 202 _(C) in the direction of arrow 2separates the bottom face 210 _(B) of the fourth panel 202 _(D) from thetop face 210 _(T) of the second panel 202 _(B), and exposes the firstcollection of securement tape 12 without obscuring the practitioner'sview of the I.F.U., thereby allowing the practitioner to continuallyreference the I.F.U., if necessary. The practitioner can then utilizethe first collection of securement tape 12 to limit relative movementbetween the IV catheter (not shown) and the patient's skin.

After placement of the first collection of securement tape 12, withreference now to FIGS. 12-14, the practitioner can grasp the tab 212_(D) included on the bottom face 210 _(B) of the fourth panel 202 _(D),and use the tab 212 _(D) to move the fourth panel 202 _(D) in thedirection indicated by arrow 2. Movement of the fourth panel 202 _(D) inthe direction of arrow 2 separates the top face 210 _(T) of the thirdpanel 202 _(C) from the top face 210 _(T) of the fourth panel 202 _(D),and exposes the dressing 14 without obscuring the practitioner's view ofthe I.F.U. When the third panel 202 _(C) is separated from the fourthpanel 202 _(D), the backing panel 202 _(BP) maintains the sterileenvironment previously established for the second collection ofsecurement tape 16 and the label 18. The practitioner can then positionthe dressing 14 as desired.

Finally, and with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the practitioner cangrasp and use the tab 212 _(BP) (FIG. 14) included on the backing panel202 _(BP) to move the separate the backing panel 202 _(BP) from the topface 210 _(T) of the fourth panel 202 _(D) to thereby expose the secondcollection of securement tape 16 and the label 18. The backing panel 202_(BP) can be either removably connected to the top face 210 _(T) of thefourth panel 202 _(D) as shown in FIG. 15 such that the backing panel202 _(BP) can be completely removed from the medical package 200, oralternatively, the backing panel 202 _(BP) can be fixedly secured to thetop face 210 _(T) of the fourth panel 202 _(D) at one or more locationssuch that the backing panel 202 _(BP) remains attached to the medicalpackage 200. Following separation of the backing panel 202 _(BP) fromthe top face 210 _(T) of the fourth panel 202 _(D), the practitioner canuse the second collection of securement tape 16 to further limitrelative movement between the IV catheter (not shown) and the patient'sskin, for example, as well as the label 18.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-16, the tabs 212 _(C), 212 _(D) arerespectively attached to the bottom face 210 _(B) of the third andfourth panels 202 _(C), 202 _(D) at the upper left-hand corner 216thereof, and the tab 212 _(BP) is attached to the upper left-hand corner216 of the backing layer 202 _(BP) such that the panels 202 _(C), 202_(D) are movable in the direction of arrow 2. It should be appreciated,however, that the tabs 212 _(C), 212 _(D), 212 _(BP) can be alternatelypositioned in any location suitable for the intended purpose offacilitating movement of the third panel 202 _(C), the fourth panel 202_(D), and the backing panel 202 _(BP) to expose the components of the IVcatheter protection system as discussed above.

While the above is a complete description of the various embodiments ofthe medical package and method disclosed herein, various alternatives,modifications, and equivalents are also envisioned that do not departfrom the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For example, thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the embodiments discussed aboveare intended to be non-limiting and exemplary only, and accordingly,that the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims.

1. A medical package configured and dimensioned to accommodate medicalsupplies employable during a medical procedure, the medical packagecomprising: a plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel,and at least one intermediate panel positioned between the top panel andthe bottom panel, each of the plurality of panels including longitudinaledges, and transverse edges extending in substantially orthogonalrelation to the longitudinal edges, the plurality of panels beingreleasably secured together such that a first sterile environment isestablished between the top panel and the bottom panel for retention ofa first medical supply and a second sterile environment is establishedbetween the bottom panel and the at least one intermediate panel forretention of a second medical supply, the plurality of panels beingconfigured for relative movement such that movement of the top panelrelative to the bottom panel reveals the first medical supply withoutcompromising the second sterile environment, and movement of the bottompanel relative to the at least one intermediate panel reveals the secondmedical supply, the top panel and the bottom panel each being movableabout an axis extending along one of the longitudinal edges thereof, theat least one intermediate panel being movable about an axis extendingalong one of the transverse edges thereof.
 2. The medical package ofclaim 1, wherein the panels are arranged for sequential separation inaccordance with a plurality of steps performed during the medicalprocedure and described in instructions for use.
 3. The medical packageof claim 2, wherein the top panel is configured and dimensioned tosupport the instructions for use.
 4. The medical package of claim 1,wherein the top panel includes a first tab, the bottom panel includes asecond tab, and the at least one intermediate panel includes a thirdtab, the first tab being configured to facilitate manual manipulation ofthe top panel, the second tab being configured to facilitate manualmanipulation of the bottom panel, and the third tab being configured tofacilitate manual manipulation of the at least one intermediate panel.5. The medical package of claim 4, wherein the at least one intermediatepanel includes first and second intermediate panels each including eachincluding longitudinal edges and transverse edges extending insubstantially orthogonal relation to the longitudinal edges, the firstand second intermediate panels being releasably secured together suchthat a third sterile environment is established therebetween forretention of a third medical supply.
 6. The medical package of claim 5,wherein the first and second intermediate panels are configured forrelative movement about axes extending along one of the transverse edgesthereof.
 7. The medical package of claim 5, wherein the firstintermediate panel includes the third tab, and the second intermediatepanel includes a fourth tab configured to facilitate manual manipulationof the second intermediate panel.
 8. The medical package of claim 5,further including a third intermediate panel releasably secured to thesecond intermediate panel such that a fourth sterile environment isestablished therebetween for retention of a fourth medical supply, thethird intermediate panel including longitudinal edges, and transverseedges extending in substantially orthogonal relation to the longitudinaledges.
 9. The medical package of claim 8, wherein the second and thirdintermediate panels are configured for relative movement about axesextending along of the transverse edges thereof to reveal the fourthmedical supply.
 10. The medical package of claim 8, wherein the thirdintermediate panel includes a fifth tab configured to facilitate manualmanipulation of the third intermediate panel.
 11. The medical package ofclaim 1, wherein the panels are fixedly attached to one another.
 12. Themedical package of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality ofpanels is removable from the medical package.
 13. The medical package ofclaim 1, wherein the panels are foldably interconnected.
 14. A medicalpackage configured and dimensioned to accommodate medical suppliesemployable during a medical procedure, the medical package comprising: aplurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at leastone intermediate panel positioned between the top panel and the bottompanel, each of the plurality of panels including longitudinal edges andtransverse edges extending in substantially orthogonal relation to thelongitudinal edges, the panels being releasably secured together tofacilitate relative movement between the panels to expose at least onesterile environment retaining a medical supply, the top panel and thebottom panel each being movable about an axis extending along one of thelongitudinal edges thereof, the at least one intermediate panel beingmovable about an axis extending along one of the transverse edgesthereof, wherein a first sterile environment is established between thetop panel and the bottom panel for retention of a first medical supply,and a second sterile environment is established between the bottom paneland the at least one intermediate panel for retention of a secondmedical supply.
 15. The medical package of claim 14, wherein the panelsare arranged for sequential separation in accordance with a plurality ofsteps performed during the medical procedure and described ininstructions for use.
 16. The medical package of claim 14, wherein thepanels are configured for relative movement such that movement of thetop panel relative to the bottom panel reveals the first medical supplywithout compromising the second sterile environment, and movement of thebottom panel relative to the at least one intermediate panel reveals thesecond medical supply.
 17. The medical package of claim 14, wherein theat least one intermediate panel includes first and second intermediatepanels each including longitudinal edges and transverse edges extendingin substantially orthogonal relation to the longitudinal edges, thefirst and second intermediate panels being releasably secured togethersuch that a third sterile environment is established therebetween forretention of a third medical supply.
 18. The medical package of claim17, wherein the first and second intermediate panels are configured forrelative movement about axes extending along one of the transverse edgesthereof to reveal the third medical supply.